Miles for Ukraine

Dear colleagues,

The war in Ukraine has been on all our minds in recent weeks. Almost 2.5 million people have now fled their homes to escape the conflict which is threatening the lives and livelihoods of civilians across the country.

The extent of the devastation is hard to process. Homes have been destroyed. Essential services have been hit. Families have been separated. People have been injured. Lives have been lost.

Many of us I am sure have already done something to try and help. Others may be wondering what they can do.

I was humbled last week when colleagues from our Social Services team got in touch with the suggestion that we as an organisation could pull together to raise money for those who are leaving behind their jobs, belongings and loved ones, and who need shelter, food and water.

Over the last few days, a small team has been working on how we can best do this and I am very proud that today we are launching Miles for Ukraine, our collective fundraising campaign. The campaign will run over the next month.

The concept is simple. We are challenging ourselves to cover the 1775 miles from the Vale of Glamorgan to Ukraine together over the next month, and to raise much needed money for those affected by the war as we do it.

All staff are free to get involved, either individually or in their teams. You can walk, run, cycle, swim, or whatever else you choose to clock up some miles. I’d encourage all staff to give what they can. Be that their time and support, or if you can afford a small donation as well. I’d also encourage everyone to share details of the campaign with friends and family. Collectively all of those small contributions will make a big impact.

Then tell us about your efforts, share your pictures, and donate to the Just Giving page, via the Miles for Ukraine hub on StaffNet+. As our total distance travelled increases so will the donations.

I would encourage everyone to think about how they could get involved. You can take part anywhere and at any time. You could get your team together for a walking meeting at one of the country parks, or a jog along the seafront, and sponsor yourselves by the mile.

Outside of work if you are doing Park Run at the weekend or going for a bike ride, why not add those miles to the Vale’s total and donate the cost of a coffee afterwards.

I have talked a lot in recent years about the importance of taking time during working hours to look after your wellbeing and I want to be clear that I would consider any activities teams can do together as part of the Miles for Ukraine campaign to be an appropriate way of doing this.

Of course, that won’t be possible for every person in every role but for those that can’t step away from their job perhaps you can clock up some distance while you do it. If you walk as part of your job, why not use this as a way to fundraise. Or if you don’t then maybe there is a way you can get creative and clock up some distance on the spot.

Miles for Ukraine starts tomorrow and runs over the next month. Together we will be fundraising for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

At Ukraine’s borders with Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, huge numbers of people are arriving with only what they can carry. In many places there are long waits to cross borders and scant facilities waiting for them on the other side, with temperatures dropping below freezing overnight.

DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and across the border in the neighbouring countries. They are working to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing with food, water, medical assistance, protection, and trauma care.

It is clear this conflict will have a profound effect on people fleeing over the longer term as well. Donations to this appeal will also help people affected by the conflict to rebuild their lives in the months and years to come.

Please visit the Miles for Ukraine hub on StaffNet+ to learn more and start sharing your ideas and achievements. If you have any questions about how to get involved then speak to your manager.

Diolch yn fawr pawb. Let’s do something great together.

Rob.